Understanding how Brucella bacteria maintain their protective outer layer
Official title: Functional analysis of a novel cell envelope integrity protein in Brucella ovis
Funded at Michigan State University · NIH-10986075 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called EipA in a bacteria that can cause infections, to see how it helps the bacteria stay strong and divide properly, which could lead to new ways to treat these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michigan State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $74,284 |
| NIH project number | 5F32AI174818-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10986075 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at risk of or currently infected with Brucella species.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by other types of bacteria unrelated to Brucella may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific protein, EipA, in maintaining the integrity of the cell envelope in Brucella ovis, a type of bacteria that can cause infections. The study aims to understand how this protein contributes to the bacteria's ability to withstand environmental stress and its importance in cell division. By using advanced techniques like cryo-electron microscopy, researchers will explore how the absence of EipA affects the structure and function of the bacterial cell envelope. This research could provide insights into bacterial behavior and potential vulnerabilities that could be targeted for treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating infections caused by Brucella bacteria.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding bacterial cell envelope integrity, but the specific role of EipA in Brucella ovis is a novel area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Michigan State University
East Lansing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alakavuklar, Melene — Michigan State University
- Study coordinator: Alakavuklar, Melene
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.